The Times and The Sunday Times and carefully selected third parties use cookies on this site to improve performance, for analytics and for advertising. By browsing this site you are agreeing to this. For more information see our Privacy and Cookie policy.

Accessibility Links

Ben Crane stands tall but fans stay home

John Hopkins, Golf Correspondent in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

May 8 2009, 2:57am, The Times

First Augusta, now The Players.

In 2007 and 2008 the Masters lacked the cheering that had always been such an important part of it. The rumbling noises that began down in Amen Corner, spread over the course and up the hill to the wooden white clubhouse were missing in those years. They were back again this year at one of the most successful and best Masters for years.

And just as they returned in Georgia so they went missing in Jacksonville. It was striking how few people there were at the TPC at Sawgrass yesterday. You could watch a match and count the number of spectators in a few seconds. You could go for a half hour or so and not hear a cheer. It…